Northern Ireland cardinal remembered as 'champion of peace and justice'

Armagh, Ireland, Jan 4, 2010 / 02:08 pm (CNA).- Cardinal Cahal Brendan Daly, Archbishop Emeritus of Armagh, Ireland died on December 31 at 92 years-old. In recent days he has been remembered by Pope Benedict XVI and many leaders within Ireland as a man of great faith and a tireless desire for peace.

Daly had been a cardinal since June of 1991 and also served as the Primate of the Irish Catholic Church from 1990 to 1996. He was a highly regarded theologian and philosopher.

In a telegram sent to Archbishop of Armagh Cardinal Sean Brady, Benedict XVI recognized the Cardinal Daly's many years of pastoral service and his efforts to achieve justice and peace in Northern Ireland.

Illustrating his strong presence in Irish society, the Irish Times reported that news of his death was met with words of condolence, respect and reverence from Irish Catholic Church officials, leaders of other Christian denominations within Ireland, the President of Ireland and the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland.

Being from Northern Ireland himself, Daly was able to understand and help improve relations between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland.

Cardinal Brady, Primate of the Catholic Church in Ireland, remarked on the late cardinal’s legacy in a statement, saying, “At a critical and troubled time in Irish history, he was prophetic in his conviction that lasting peace can only be built on justice, mutual understanding and respect for the traditions and aspirations of others.”

Cardinal Daly will be buried on Tuesday on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh.